COMPLIMENTARY
August 2019 Issue
NEW HAMPSHIRE
WO M EN MAGAZINE
ISSUE: TOP INSPIRING WOMEN BUSINESS LEADERS
celebrating the women of New Hampshire
FAILURE WASN’T MY DESTINY Page 10 & 11 Andrea Isabelle Lucas Founder, Barre & Soul
Inside: Ask the Pediatric Surgeon Page 14. MD M.M.Sc. Elizabeth S. Soukup, Pg. 14
Pg. 14
NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 1
Agent for Mayflower Transit
NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
Marissa R. McLaughlin Certified Moving Consultant
McLaughlin Transportation Systems, Inc. 20 Progress Ave., Nashua, NH 03062 Office: 603-883-4000 Direct: 603-966-3836 Toll Free: 800-258-6683 Cell: 603-521-4335 mRm@McMoving.com McMoving.com
Kelly Arsenault
Your Local Real Estate Expert Serving Pets and People (c) 603.770.6056 (o) 603. 965.2992
Founding Member, REBSEA.org Founder/President, Papillon Rescue of the North East
50 Nashua Road, Suite 111 Londonderry, NH 03053
Sponsors of this issue: NEW HAMP-
New Hampshire Women Magazine’s print publication is published by Melissa DiOrio of Gracant Communications (melissa@nhwomenmagazine.com). The name ‘New Hampshire Women Magazine’ is registered as a trade name with the State of New Hampshire by Sullivan Grueter Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission. The term ‘New Hampshire Women’ is registered as a trademark with the State of New Hampshire by Sullivan Grueter Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission. 2 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
1-888-888-SOLD
BedfordNHRealEstate.com
Torelli
Kelly Arsenault
Appraisal Service, LLC.
Preparing to Sell Your Home? What you do or don’t do to prepare your home for sale will affect your market time and sales price.
Staging your home increases the buyers perception of value and the urgency to buy your home.
Services Offered
A staging consultation is the most economical way to stage your home, designed for the budget minded do-it-your-selfer.
Written Consultation $300-$500
Many realtors offer a complimentary staging consultation as part of their marketing program when listing your home.
Verbal Consultation $200-$300
Owner Occupied Staging Proper placement of furniture, lighting and art. De-cluttering and depersonalizing to allow a buyer to visualize living in your home Vacant Staging Full or partial staging, we have a well stocked warehouse of inventory and decorative accessories Model Home Staging Option to purchase or rent inventory
Robin Webster Accredited Staging Professional www.GreatImpressionsStaging.com 603-515-1512
NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 3
SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM
HEALTHCARE INNOVATOR Written by Crystal Ward Kent
Spotlight on Joan Fitzgerald hygiene association. “In the early 1990s, there was not much opportunity for upward mobility in my profession,” she explains. “We had all this training and knowledge, but were limited in how we could use it. I eventually started my own business, distributing health and wellness products, then took a job working for a Veterans’ Administration hospital. I would provide dental care to those in the nursing home and dementia care center. I immediately saw that there was a huge need to be filled. I knew that there were many others who, Healthcare@Home, Inc. due to physical or mental health issues, or simply because of age, could not get the dental care they required.” Fitzgerald was acutely aware of the critical connection between physical health Our Mission is to promote total and dental health. health through delivering skilled, Dental health issues quality preventive oral health care can lead to serious for the homebound in a patient health conditions, centered, compassionate and including infections holistic manner and heart disease, yet no home health • Special Needs Clients care programs • Assisted Living & Nursing Home Care offered dental • In Residence Skilled Care Delivery hygiene. “Here was • Comfort Care this huge need and • Interprofessional Collaboration there was not even a model for creating such a program,” ORAL H E A LTHCARE@HOME, I N C .™ says Fitzgerald. “I 497 Hooksett Road, #166 ~ Manchester, NH 03104 suddenly found (603) 232-5752 FAX (603) 232-7227 myself in the role WWW.ORALHEALTHCAREATHOME.COM of trailblazer. I first Contact us: worked toward info@oralhealthcareathome.com creating the official
Getting our teeth cleaned is something most of us take for granted, but if you are housebound due to illness or age, it can be a challenge. Joan Fitzgerald is determined to bring oral healthcare to the homes of those in need. A dental hygienist herself, Fitzgerald is the founder and president of Oral Healthcare at Home, Inc., an agency in Manchester, New Hampshire, which brings licensed dental professionals into the home to provide primary prevention and education. Fitzgerald went to college for dental hygiene, then worked in private dental practices for more than 25 years. She also became active in the professional dental
Oral
4 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
role of Public Health Dental Hygienist, then developed an organization to provide the service through a Capstone Project at Granite State College, then recruited hygienists to fill the need. When I found that there was no infrastructure in place to launch home dental care, I could have waited for someone else to create that structure, but I didn’t want to wait. There was too much at stake.” Fitzgerald is still working to have home dental healthcare integrated into all existing home healthcare programs, but knows that in the meantime, her organization is at least able to provide some of these critical services. “Part of what keeps me going is remembering the community doctor that we had in my small New Hampshire town when I was growing up. He saw us when we were sick and even helped deliver babies. He was there when needed and that was so important to the families in our community. Today, we need to bring dental hygiene to community members who need those services. It should be part of home healthcare going forward.” Fitzgerald hopes that her work inspires others to keep moving towards their goals, no matter how much work has to be done. “I try to be a problem-solver, and to empower others by offering whatever guidance I can. I know that I can’t do all that needs to be done, and I’ve been shot down before, but I keep going. I turn my setbacks into motivators, and just keep driving towards my goals. I’m confident I’ll get to where I want to go.”
SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM
JENNIFER LEONZI : COOKING UP SUCCESS WORDS: Crystal Ward Kent
Jennifer Leonzi, owner of The Covered Bridge Farm Table in Campton, New Hampshire, loves to cook and loves to eat, but she did not originally see herself in the restaurant business. In fact, a career in business was all mapped out until she decided on a whim to summer in New Hampshire and work at a restaurant. “I’m from Connecticut, and went to Plymouth State College,” she recalls. “In 1998, I had just graduated and even had a job lined up back home. Then, one of my girlfriends invited me to spend the summer up here. I’d never done that, and it sounded fun, so I agreed. I wound up working at a little restaurant on Squam Lake, not knowing that this job would change my life.” Leonzi started at the bottom, but quickly worked her way up; by the end of the summer, she knew every aspect of the business—and she loved it. She had loved family dinners with everyone around the table at home, and to her, running a restaurant was like hosting family every night. To her family’s shock, she called and said she was not coming home—she was staying on. By 2002, she had a partner— and a husband—and they decided to buy a restaurant of their own. “We were thinking of a small breakfast and lunch place, but then we were invited to buy an existing restaurant next to the Blair Covered Bridge,” she says. “It was a bigger place than we had planned on, and it needed work, but we could see it had potential. We were both passionate about making the restaurant work, and at that time, we had the dedication and were willing to work hard.” Leonzi’s marriage ended after a few years, but she and her ex kept the restaurant partnership going for another 12, during which time the restaurant blossomed. All might have stayed smooth sailing had not a series of mishaps occurred. “First came the recession, and business dwindled; then, the bridge was closed for an entire year for repairs. With the bridge closed, most of the townspeople couldn’t reach us. We had to lay off staff, and at one point, it was just me managing and tending bar and my ex cooking—that’s how bad it became. We kept going because we had both
put so much into the restaurant that we couldn’t bear to let it go, but our survival was questionable.” Back from the Brink In 2014, at their lowest ebb, Leonzi got a call from the television show Restaurant Impossible; the show had scouted their restaurant in 2012, but initially, had not chosen them, now they were reaching out. They were willing to renovate the restaurant and feature them on the show. It could be the break they desperately needed. “Except, my ex now wanted out of the business,” she relates. “This was a huge blow because I knew nothing about the kitchen—without him, the restaurant couldn’t function. The TV show came and did the renovation, and we reopened to a packed house, but it was a horrible night as the kitchen was just not up to par. I vowed to keep going, and decided to attend culinary school at Chez Boucher in Hampton while friends covered the restaurant.” Leonzi’s determination paid off; she returned to the restaurant with solid kitchen knowledge and a new chef in tow. By 2016, the restaurant was back on track and steadily gaining a reputation for its original fresh cuisine, made from locally-sourced ingredients. When asked what has inspired her all these years, Leonzi doesn’t hesitate, “My employees,” she says. “They’ve become family, and many have stuck with me through all the ups and downs. They work long hours—16 and 17 hours sometimes, and most holidays--yet they never fail to show up. There is tremendous turnover in the restaurant business—it’s very
hard work—but we have people who have been with us forever. I couldn’t succeed without them.” Today, Leonzi is proud of what she has accomplished, and hopes that her commitment may inspire others. “I’ve always been independent, and I think that helped. I was just 26 when I jumped into the restaurant business with both feet. No one helped me, financially or otherwise. I had to figure things out on my own, but
I was passionate about what I was doing and that made all the difference. If you’re not passionate about your work, then don’t do it. Find that passion and you’ll succeed.” As for Restaurant Impossible, they are returning to feature The Covered Bridge Farm Table on a show called “Where are they now;” they look forward to celebrating this restaurant that beat the odds and is today a thriving establishment.
Open Daily Serving Lunch at 11:30 • Dinner at 4:30 Bar Menu until 10pm • 9pm Sundays Sunday Brunch Menu at 10am Closed Tuesdays
57 Blair Rd, Campton NH (603) 238-9115 • www.farmtablenh.com
NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 5
NHWM | SPOTLIGHT
CHRISTINE FLETCHER: NH’S “WATER WOMAN” Written by Crystal Ward Kent
When other children played dolls or Army, Christine Fletcher, president and founder of Secondwind Water Systems in Manchester, New Hampshire, joined in, but her favorite game was playing store. “It seems odd, but even as a child I was intrigued by the world of business. Maybe it was because my dad was a businessman; I’m not sure, I just always felt at home in the business world.” Fletcher majored in economics, quickly got her MBA in business, and plunged into the computer world. Specializing in custom-designed water filtration systems was not on her radar, but as she points out, “nothing about this career was planned!” “I would like to say that all of this came about through some carefully choreographed moves, but that’s not the case,” she laughs. “I met my husband in the computer industry, but after a number of years, he decided to get his degree in Environmental Resources Management. Through those courses, he learned about the water filtration industry. As Fate would have it, New Hampshire was in need for a technically competent water filtration business. Kinetico, which designs filtration systems, had lost their distributor in the state and was looking for someone else to take on that role. We decided to give it a try.” Fletcher says she felt she would be happy in any type of business if it met one of two criteria: 1) It was fun to sell or 2) it filled a need. “Customized water filtration systems definitely fill a need,” she explains. “New Hampshire seems like a place of pure lakes and mountain streams, but you can actually
have water with lots of problems, from low pH to lots of iron and nasty odors. It’s a place with a complex geology and many people need to filter their water.” It’s that complexity that made launching a water filtration business challenging. “Customers can bring us water samples to evaluate, but we cannot design or install a system without visiting your home,” she says. “And, since New Hampshire is a rural state, that means lots of hours on the road. In the beginning, it was hard to turn a profit when so much time was spent on the road. The complexity of the water issues also meant that a lot of training was needed in order to bring our techs up to speed on testing, designing and installing systems. So, initially, we were putting in a lot of extra hours because of that long learning curve.” A Positive Environment Secondwind Water Systems eventually created a business model that worked, and today the company has successfully served ten thousand customers for more than 30 years. Fletcher has found the work rewarding. “I love what I do. I never have those ‘Sunday blues’ where I hate to go back to work. I do most of the training, and I really enjoy that. I love the pursuit of learning, as we are constantly learning how to do better—in terms of our knowledge, our products and our customer service. We are also a real family; we care about each other—there’s a good energy here. And, I like the fact that I’m part of something important—I’m providing a service that helps people.” Fletcher says she’s always inspired by good customer
6 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
service, and tries to bring any lessons back to Secondwind. She also thanks her dad for giving her the example of Margaret Rudkin, founder of Pepperidge Farm Bakers, where he worked. “She started baking to support her family, and wound up president of a major company. It was incredible to have a woman business owner like her to look up to. I never met her, but I heard about her and I’m inspired by her.” Fletcher tries to inspire her team by creating a supportive culture at Secondwind. “They call me Mama Bear, because I
have this nurturing side,” she says. “We make sure each person is recognized for their strengths, and we encourage them to work on any weaknesses and to be patient with each other. This positive environment works, as many of our employees have been here for decades. And, it carries over into how we treat our customers. I may not have planned for a career in the water filtration business, but I’m proud of all that we have accomplished.”
SPOTLIGHT COLUMN | NHWM
REAL ESTATE DETECTIVE Written by Crystal Ward Kent
Spotlight on Brendena Fleming
For Brendena Fleming, owner of Torelli Appraisal Service in Peabody, Massachusetts and Derry, New Hampshire, doing appraisal work is like “being a real estate detective.” Fleming loves the research, the travel, the pulling together of all the puzzle pieces until a true picture of a property’s worth falls into place.
“T
here are so many things that can influence a property’s value, from the market to its history and location,” she explains. “This is why every case is different, and why it’s always interesting. Gathering all the information is important, because for most people, real estate is likely to be one of the biggest investments of their lives. I understand the critical role an appraisal can play.” Fleming always knew that she would have her own business; she just wasn’t sure what that business would be. “My dad had his own flooring business, so I was intrigued early on by the idea of owning my own company,” she recalls. “I also grew up surrounded by the construction field, and was intrigued by that world as well as design, architecture, and real estate. When I was in my early thirties, my uncle, who had his own appraisal business, invited me to join him. He said he would train
me, and give me the business north of Boston, while he served clients south of Boston. I accepted his offer and was immediately hooked. In 2001, I started my own company. I cover Massachusetts and New Hampshire, but mostly serve clients between Boston and Concord, New Hampshire.” The diversity of what she does is what keeps Fleming engaged. “I spend half of my time in the field, and half in the office. I love driving to new places, seeing new projects, and meeting new people. New England is unique because the homes are so different; they vary greatly in age, style, and history, and people are always upgrading, restoring or renovating. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about it.” She also enjoys the look on client’s faces when they meet her for the first time. “My field is still largely dominated by older gentlemen, so when they open the door and see a woman standing there, they are surprised—but they love it.” Fleming encourages other young people, and especially women, to enter the appraisal field. “There will always be a need for this work. People need appraisals for
Torelli
Appraisal Service, LLC.
TorelliAppraisalService.com
NH: 603.552.5206 MA: 978.535.0140
HOME APPRAISALS
We specialize in market valuation on Single Family, Condominium, and 1-4 Family Homes for refinance, purchase, divorce, estate, determining list/sale price, consultation, etc.
various reasons as property values need to be reevaluated due to taxes, divorces, sales, refinancing, estate planning and many other reasons. It’s an exciting and rewarding career.” Going the Extra Mile Fleming has enjoyed significant success, and she believes that is because she takes the time to not only prepare detailed and thorough reports, but also to educate her clients. “People are often nervous about having appraisals done, but once I explain the process, they relax. I have a lot of experience in the field, so there are very few questions that I can’t answer.” Throughout her career, Fleming has looked to older, established career women for inspiration. “I see what they have achieved, and ask what did it take for them to become who they are? In almost every case, they all went the extra mile--that was what made the difference in their careers, and that’s what I try to do—in my work, and in life. I think it’s important to be polite and kind, to give my customers the time that they need, and to do that little bit more.” Fleming has tried to inspire others by the way she lives her life. She and her husband have adopted four children, and have 78 rescue animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, flocks of chickens and ducks, and nine goats. They use their animals for animal therapy, and the kids have learned a good work ethic by selling the chicken and duck eggs. The couple recently bought a piece of property with a farm pond, which they are cleaning up. They hope to create a community skating pond, and a place where kids can enjoy a petting zoo and farm experience. Fleming also mentors high school students, and advises them on their career path. “I tell them to find their passion, because if you are going to work nine to five at something, make sure it’s something that excites you—don’t make it just about the money. I had one trainee who was so good with people that I suggested he would thrive in sales; he now owns his own real estate agency. Another girl seemed like a natural nurse; she followed through and is now with Mass General. Nothing makes me happier than to see kids find their place in the world and be happy. That’s inspiring!” NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 7
NHWM | SPOTLIGHT
HEIDI BEAU WHITE:
SPREADING HAPPINESS Written by Crystal Ward Kent Heidi Bea White, founder and CEO of Vanity Hair Studio in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, wanted a career where she could make people feel happy and good about themselves. She initially thought about being a therapist, but her love of art and natural creative flair drew her to hairstyling. “Owning a salon combines all of the things that motivate me,” she says. “What we do really does brighten someone’s day. A trip to the salon is often about more than hair—it’s about escaping to a place where you feel comfortable, and can relax, and recharge.”
White went to beauty school, then later to business school, as her goal was to open her own salon. “I wanted to create an environment that was happy, calming, and gave people a break from whatever stress was going on in their lives. It was also important that this be a place where no one ever felt judged. Coming to a salon can make people feel vulnerable. Guests wonder if a look will work for them; are they making the right choices? There can be a lot of self-analysis. At Vanity Hair Studio, we make sure that everyone feels heard
Included in America’s top 100 Salons by Elle Magazine 2 years running
Professional stylists, colorists, and educators BLOWOUTS, BALAYAGE, AND DESIGNS Vanity Hair and Makeup Studio 33 Deer street suite 3A Portsmouth NH 603-430-8689 vanityhairstudionh.com
8 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
and respected. We want our guests to leave feeling great about themselves.”
me to achieve my goals.”
White learned early on that she could build a solid client base by taking the time to get to know her guests, and by being positive, and being reliable. “Taking the time to get to know my clients and build real relationships has made a huge difference,” she says. “I’m fortunate to have earned their loyalty, and their recommendations.”
White says that she is inspired by her team and their work ethic. “I’m so pleased to see them reach their goals, learn new skills and grow as stylists. I’m as excited as they are when they achieve something they’ve been working towards. I love hearing their news at our team meetings. It keeps me motivated!”
She has now been in the business for 20 years, and a successful business owner for 11 years, but the journey has not been without challenges. “It’s really been the last five years that I felt that things fully came together in terms of how to best run the business,” she relates. “When I started my own salon, I was only 26, and I had a lot to learn. I was a little too lax in letting my stylists do their own thing. I needed to be more of a leader in order to create that professional environment. I know now that structure and consistency are key; you need to have a plan, to have policies and procedures so everything is clear. I had to learn how to be a business leader, how to create the right culture, and I had to earn my stylists’ respect. In the beginning, I had older stylists working for me, and sometimes that was difficult, but I learned from them. I think that’s one of the keys to my success—with every hurdle, I learned and improved, and that allowed
White believes that even small steps can make a big difference, so she pushes for positive change in a number of different ways, from creating a positive workplace culture to helping the environment. “We are an environmentally-friendly salon and use only products that are green, organic and not tested on animals,” she says. “It may seem like a small thing, given all the challenges our planet faces, but it’s something we can do, and we know it matters to clients. I also make sure that my team knows how much I value them—that they are not taken for granted. We celebrate birthdays and have fun contests with rewards— something to get everybody excited. We all work hard, so it’s nice to have these little incentives. And we have team meetings so everyone can be heard. Most important, we are all committed to the salon’s main goal of making every guest’s day a bit brighter. We’re just one salon, but we can help spread some happiness.”
Positive Steps
NHWM | SPOTLIGHT
REBECCA BEAUCHEMIN: SHARING WISDOM Beauchemin. “We’ve learned a lot over the years, and we have a lot to offer clients and up-andcoming agents. We are eager to teach and nurture new agents, and having them grow with us.” Written by Crystal Ward Kent
R
ebecca Beauchemin and her husband, Peter, have enjoyed successful careers in the real estate business for many years. In fact, they met when both were working for Remax and in training together. After spending 13 years at Remax and five years managing the number one Remax team in New Hampshire, Beauchemin could have easily coasted along on her success, but instead, she opted for a new challenge. She and her husband opened LAER Realty Partners Beauchemin Associates in Bedford, New Hampshire. “It was always the dream, to have our own office and run things the way we wanted,” says
Despite their knowledge and experience, Beauchemin admits that the new venture has had some challenges, but they are rising to meet them. “The biggest hurdle has been that LAER Realty is a new brand in New Hampshire,” she explains. “They have 30+ offices in Massachusetts, but are just starting to make inroads up here. We have had to build awareness of what makes the company unique, but we know how to do that, and are seeing success.” The pair is already planning to open a Seacoast location next, and will eventually expand with offices in Concord and the western part of the state. They are also committed to making sure that their team has everything needed to do the best job possible. “Real estate is always changing in terms of
the technology available to help sell your home or find a home,” says Beauchemin. “We pride ourselves on staying current and making sure that our agents have the latest and best tools available. Being up to date benefits the clients as well.” Beauchemin is enthusiastic about the new venture, and especially pleased to be sharing it with her husband. “He really is my inspiration,” she says. “We have a great rapport, as husband and wife, but also as business partners. We are always challenging each other to do better, to become our best selves. We truly motivate each other and we both embrace challenges. If we find ourselves getting bored with what we are doing or where we are, we like to look to that next level. We are better together than we are separate.”
1-888-888-SOLD
BedfordNHRealEstate.com
Other women business owners have also inspired Beauchemin, who says she has a good group of friends and colleagues to provide support and
REBECCA AND PETER BEAUCHEMIN AT THE 2019 LAER ROAR AWARDS
encouragement. “I’m lucky to have a great circle to tap into when I need advice or someone to listen or a pep talk. We are all there for each other.” Beauchemin says that one of the things she enjoys most about the new agency is being able to help other agents develop their business. “I find that very fulfilling,” she says. “I have a lot of wisdom to share. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of success in my career, and maybe that can inspire others. I really look forward to building our team and helping others achieve their success. I think passing your knowledge along is the most rewarding thing you can do.”
NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 9
NHWM COVER WOMEN | Inspiring Women
FAILURE WASN’T MY
DESTINY
Growing up, Andrea Isabelle Lucas always knew that she was meant to do something big. She wasn’t quite sure what that would be, but deep inside, she knew she was meant to achieve great things. Written by Crystal Ward Kent & Photography provided by Chris Swainston “I don’t know where that feeling came from,” she recalls. “My parents told me that I was exceptional, and even though my early life was very hard, and my relationship with my family was often troubled, I always clung to that belief. Even when times got really hard I knew that failure wasn’t my destiny.” Today, Lucas seems every inch the successful businesswoman. She owns five Barre & Soul studios, popular venues where people (especially women) can rejuvenate body and spirit through exercise and motivational support. Her unique concept has been written up in major fitness and business magazines. She is the author of a new book, “Own It All,” and is embarking on a second career as a motivational speaker and advisor. In short, she has come a long way from the young teenage runaway who slept in dumpsters and had a baby just shy of high school. “My home was very volatile when I was young,” says Lucas. “It was not a good environment. When I was fourteen, I ran away. We lived in the WellsOgunquit, Maine area, and I fled to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. I had nowhere to go, so initially, I slept in Salvation Army dumpsters, then later on people’s couches. It was scary, but I couldn’t stay in my home.” Lucas eventually did return home, and went back to school. She was a good student, and thanks to some dedicated teachers and counselors, she got her school career back on
track and graduated. “I initially planned to go into international business,” she says. “I loved learning other languages and had a knack for it. I wanted to go to college then travel the world, but I got pregnant at 19 and those dreams were no longer possible. The father was in the picture off and on for a year or two, but we struggled, and soon I was on my own again.” Lucas got a job and started taking college classes. She was determined to get her college degree, no matter how long it took, but she needed to provide for her son. She took a job as a stripper because it paid well, and gave her the flexibility she needed to be home with her child, yet continue her studies. Her work ethic paid off, and
10 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
by age 22, she bought her first condo.
Starting over Life was not easy, but Lucas had a plan and was making progress, until Fate once again intervened. After years on her own, she had met a man. He seemed special, and they embarked on a relationship. She moved in with him and quit her job at the strip club--then things turned disastrous. He became abusive and after a trip to the emergency room, Lucas realized she had to leave. “I couldn’t stay, but it was also terrifying to leave because this time I was starting at rock bottom,” she remembers. “I had nothing. I’d sold the condo and quit my job to be with him. I had to go on food stamps. I felt like I was in a deep, dark hole and
wasn’t sure how I was going to climb out. But, I still had this compass inside of me, pointing me upwards. I knew somehow I would make it.” In 2006, Lucas had taken a barre class to get in shape after her second pregnancy. She liked it, and decided to become a teacher. She had also never given up on her college education. “After putting aside the dream of a travel career, I thought I’d become a high school English teacher,” she says. “I loved reading and writing. I took a Women’s Studies class, and that changed my life. I was blown away by the issues of gender politics and women’s issues. I knew that whatever my big idea was, I wanted to somehow empower women.”
Lucas got her degree—10 years after starting—and soon after, while teaching a barre class, had an epiphany. “I thought, what if classes like these are the way to reach and empower women? A lot of women could find the support they need while taking a class. What if we all came together to exercise our bodies and encouraged and motivated each other at the same time? I felt that women would respond to this kind of class and embrace a place where there was no judgment, and a spiritual message was part of the fitness experience.” She tested the waters with a few classes like this, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Lucas felt she was on the right track, but did not want to open a studio that would compete with the place where she was teaching. She opted to move closer to Boston, and took a job managing a high-end spa and fitness center there; she also rolled out her classes. Women loved them, and business soared, but Lucas still felt like something was missing. By chance, one of her students was a career counselor. Lucas sought her advice and learned that her profile showed a strong entrepreneurial side. “This explained why I was always looking to launch or try the next new thing,” says Lucas. “I thought I was being flaky, but instead it showed that I had this energy and drive to keep growing, keep expanding.”
Lucas quit her job, which was “super scary,” but serendipitously found a place where she could test her Barre & Soul concept rent-free. Her classes took off, and before too long, she was able to buy her first studio in Melrose, Massachusetts. Barre & Soul clearly seemed to be feeding something in women’s souls, because Lucas soon found her business expanding to Portsmouth, Harvard Square, and Providence. “I now do millions of dollars in business annually, yet I started with just $2,000 in the bank!” she marvels.
Exploring New Paths Lucas spent the last two years writing a book, “Own It All,” published by Mango Publishing, which shares her journey and offers advice and encouragement to other women (learn more at barresoul.com). She is now busy with her book tour, workshops based on the book, and speaking engagements. “I feel like I’m entering my next phase,” she says. “I love mentoring other women, and through the book and my workshops, I’m able to reach so many. I love showing them that you can overcome whatever challenges life throws at you.” Lucas encourages other women to push for their goals. “Stop waiting for permission to do things. Be the boss of you, because permission might not be coming. Don’t wait to be invited to do
what you want, just get started. If you feel discouraged, remember, you can take responsibility for what happens next. It’s easy to get caught up in those feelings of life not being fair, but if you wallow there too long, you may get stuck.” Lucas admits that sometimes even positive change can feel overwhelming, so the key is to make the moves that you can. Even slow progress is still taking you forward. “If someone had told me at the start of my journey where I would end up, I would have felt overwhelmed. It would have been too much. But because I kept going step by step, and always believed in myself, I got there when I was ready. My risk tolerance grew gradually, along with my confidence. My advice is to take the biggest risk you can take, and once you’ve achieved success at that level, move up to the next one. Every step counts. Every step gets you closer to your dream—just keep believing in yourself, and you can own it all, too.” Learn more about Barre & Soul, and Lucas’ book, at www. barresoul.com, and at Amazon.com.
NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 11
MEDICAL SPA | SPECIAL SECTION
THERE’S A #NEWTOX IN Written by Dr. Lisa Vuich, Owner of Renew Medi Spa
Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006 and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in nonsurgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations, a Key Opinion Leader for several aesthetic companies, and a Master Clinical instructor for Specialty Med Training. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, platelet-rich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute.
Move over Botox, ® yet another botulinum toxin hit the US market with FDA approval for cosmetic use, and patient satisfaction with Jeuveau ® has been high. How is Jeuveau ® different from other neurotoxins? Jeuveau ® was FDA approved in February and released by Evolus in May. Neurotoxin treatments are the single most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. and work by temporarily blocking nerve impulses to muscles that are responsible for some of our facial expressions. Botox ® cosmetic, Dysport ®, Xeomin ® and Jeuveau ® all contain the same active ingredient: botulinum toxin type A. There are subtle differences in formulation which may affect spread, dose used and/or time of onset. The very small doses used for facial cosmetic injections have little if any potential to produce negative effects elsewhere in the body, and all of them share this safety level.
The three main areas for facial cosmetic injection are the forehead, the region between the brows and the eyes -the “crow’s feet”. Depending on number of areas and dose, typical treatments cost $250 to $650. The injection is repeated every 3 to 4 months for most, though some are able to go 5 to 6 months. What about “Botox Parties”? “Botox Party” refers to a social event often conducted in a private home or a salon, where an injector agrees to provide botulinum toxin for a group discount. The American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have both issued warnings against this practice as they have concerns about the ability of the injector to provide a safe and sterile
Is Jeuveau ® “cheaper”? Many articles that were written in various news outlets commented that Jeuveau ® would be “cheaper” than Botox ® Cosmetic, and suggested a possible lower price to consumers as a reason some might switch brands. The fact is, the other three neurotoxins are all less expensive than the Allergan brand, the price of which has risen steadily over the years despite competitors entering the market. That price difference, though, when spread over a 100 unit vial, is about $1 less per unit. So, don’t expect a marked price differential. 12 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
environment in such situations. Often the injector is less experienced and may not even have regular office hours established somewhere so that a patient with an issue can be seen if there is a question or need for adjustment of the treatment after the fact. We quite often hear from clients who attend such events that their injection “didn’t work” or “didn’t last”. We can only suspect that this was due to insufficient dose being delivered, which leads one to wonder if that “discount” was really a discount at all. Buyer Beware Today I saw on Groupon a “deal” for “60 to 120 units” of Dysport ® for $249, offered locally in southern New Hampshire. What they don’t tell you is that Dysport ® units are different
than the unit of measure used for the other brands. As the approximate conversion is 3:1, 60 to 120 Dysport ® units would be about 20 to 40 units of one of the others. Problem: $249 is not enough to cover the cost the doctor pays to purchase 120 units of Dysport ®, so you can guess that no one will be getting that dose. And remember, the doctor is not getting the full $249 as Groupon takes out a hefty fee from the sale. This type of vague and deceptive marketing has made it more difficult for the consumer to evaluate options, which is unfortunate. There is no way for the consumer to know how many units is in the syringe. On the Horizon Revance Therapeutics continues trials on Daxibotulinumtoxin A for injection (RT002), which in two Phase 3 trials produced results lasting up to 6 months. It may hit the US market as soon as 2020. Of course, longer duration of action means that if you are not happy with the result it will take longer to wear off also. In the end, as with many things, consumers may need to experiment with more than one brand to determine if they have a preference for one over another. Most important is your relationship with your injector, not the brand of purified protein in the syringe.
* Special Section: Content provided by Renew MediSpa
Hidden Treasure Coming to Derry!
Renew MediSpa Announces New Facility! Our state of the art Medical Spa will expand into a breathtaking new facility on Crystal Ave in Derry this September! Visit our Website to sign up for our Newsletter Many more exciting announcements to come
You don’t want to miss this Grand Opening! We are so proud of what we do, and cannot wait to share this dream location with you
HIPPO BEST OF 2019
Southern New Hampshire’s Premier Medispa since 2006 603-894-0070 | Check out our website for services, pricing, before and after images, and videos! RenewMediSpa.com The Windham Towne Shoppes 29 Indian Rock Rd. - Route 111, Windham, NH (2 miles from exit 3 off I93) NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 13
MAULING
Elliot Hospital: Ask the Pediatric Surgeon
Q.
Dr. Soukup, My 2 month old always has crusty drainage around her bellybutton but the cord fell off over a month ago. Shouldn’t it be healed by now? – Kelly S.
Dear Kelly, Yes, the umbilical cord usually falls off in the first few weeks of life and the belly button should be healed soon after. A small amount of crusty drainage around the belly button is most likely something called an “umbilical granuloma.” This is a pink, round piece of tissue that you might see at the deepest part of the umbilicus, or belly button. It is not dangerous, but will usually require treatment to go away. Your pediatrician may choose to treat this a few times with a topical treatment, but if it doesn’t go away, a simple procedure in the office can usually take care of the problem. It is painless and takes just a few seconds to complete. The granuloma is
usually based on a narrow stalk, and because there is no sensation to this tissue, it is simple to snip it off, and then treat the base. No anesthesia is necessary and it takes care of the problem right away. One thing that I always keep in mind when I see kids with belly button problems, is that the belly button was a very important part of the body during pregnancy. The umbilical cord carried the blood to and from the baby; the intestines and the bladder also used to be located outside the body through the umbilical opening. Appointments are available in my office to check for anything more serious. Thanks for your question!
-Dr. Soukup
Elizabeth S. Soukup, M.D., M.M.Sc. Pediatric Surgeon
Dr. Soukup is a Pediatric Surgeon at the Elliot Hospital and has an interest in educating families about pediatric health and wellness. Her mission is to provide expert specialty care for children of all ages in New Hampshire - newborns through teenagers - striving to keep them close to their families and communities. If you would like more information, call 603-663-8393 for an appointment, or visit our website at http://elliothospital.org/website/pediatric-surgery.php Dr. Soukup earned her Bachelor of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, where she received the Outstanding Achievement Award in Medicine, graduating first in her class. She completed her General Surgery training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and her fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital Boston. During her time in Boston, she also completed a Masters of Medical Sciences degree in clinical
14 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
investigation from Harvard Medical School. She is boardcertified in both Pediatric Surgery and General Surgery. She has specialized training and experience in minimally invasive surgical treatment for babies, children and teenagers. Her practice includes all areas of general pediatric surgery, including common pediatric surgical problems as well as neonatal surgery, congenital anomalies, minimally invasive surgery, and complex thoracic surgical problems.
EDUCATION
BY BROOKE SHAW, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Why Physical Learning Spaces Are Critical To Educational Success At World Academy, we believe in the power of the physical learning environment to influence, enhance, and improve the ability for our students to stay connected with the learning process. By balancing our commitment to providing a safe, engaging, and modern learning space with the needs of our students and families, we work provide the ideal education space for everyone who walks through our doors.
World Academy, and that means guiding students from “cradle to career” - and, often, that means providing unique learning spaces so each learning level can create its own sense of place within our walls. A Community-Centered Learning Space Between alumni events, open houses, and special events, we keep our community engaged and active within our learning areas - and, for parents, few feelings bring as much pride and connection as seeing their child’s art decorating the classroom walls. A Seamless Connection to Physical Activity
The Power of Physical Space Creating the ideal learning environment involves more than just maintaining a safe student space. In order to provide the optimal space for students to grow, educators need to provide a welcoming environment centered around community Physical activity is a key factor in imbut built to support each individual. proving student academic performance and keeping students engaged throughAn Environment Where Students Feel out the school day. By integrating our Empowered expansive Gymnasium into the overall The “whole child” education is a key design of our learning space, and by focus of our educational process here at providing the best possible outdoor
areas for our students, we welcome students to anticipate and enjoy physical activity as an integral part of their education. Integrating Technology Into the Daily Space As students age, their exposure to STEAM and science-based learning will inevitably push them to rely more heavily on technology, and we believe that the best way to instill a healthy, safe, thoughtful confidence around technology is to make sure students have the opportunity to explore and learn throughout their educational experience. Safe and Stable for Ideal Learning Our facility is designed with student safety as a top priority, fully monitored by security cameras along the entire perimeter. This technology, combined with a robust check-in, helps us keep close tabs on all visitors and gives parents peace of mind that students can engage in the learning process safely each and every day.
Register Now For The 2019-20 School Year Grade 4 Middle School
Toddlers
Fall Openings
Before & After School
Preschool
Elementary
Fall Openings
Kindergarten Schedule a Personal Tour Online. WorldAcademyNH.com/Tour
Camp Fall Openings
Middle School 138 Spit Brook Rd. Nashua, NH 03062
NH Women Magazine / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / 15
Restoring Confidence and Helping You Look Your Best Our Surgeons Are Experts In: Breast Reconstruction Skin Cancer Treatment and Reconstruction Rhinoplasty Breast Augmentation and Lift Breast Reduction General Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Todd Burdette, MD
Dave Lee, MD
Call for an appointment today:
603-314-6450
Elliot at River’s Edge, 185 Queen City Avenue, Manchester, NH 03101 603-314-6450 | elliothospital.org 16 / VOL 2 ISSUE 4 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE